Somalia: Puntland President attends symposium on security in Galkayo

GALKAYO, Somalia April 9, 2014 (Bile Blog)-The President of Somalia's Northeastern State of Puntland Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has held a symposium on security with traditional leaders, intellectuals, university students and women and youth groups in Mudug regional capital of Galkayo on Wednesday.

President Gaas discussed the urgently pressing issue of security in the presence of over hundred participants.

Also in attendance were Interior Minister Ahmed Elmi Osman (Ahmed Karash), Security Minister Hassan Osman Alore, Education Minister Ali Haji Warsame , Puntland Defense Forces Commander-in-Chief Gen. Saed Mohamed Hirsi (Saed Dheere), the Governor of Mudug region Mohamed Yusuf Jama Tigey and Galkayo Mayor Ahmed Ali Salad.
Speaking at the public symposium which was organized by Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC), Puntland President said that the killing of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) officials dealt blow to his visit to Galkayo.

Puntland President, Abdweli Mohamed Ali discusses security [Photo: Puntland Govt]

"I would like to tell you that Puntland had been a top agenda for UN over the last few days, [UN officials] were keen on our [development] but I hope that the recent incident wouldn't negatively impact [Puntland]," said Gaas in pursuit of better ties with International Community following French and British nationals murder at Galkayo airport last Monday.
He expressed hope about the future cooperation between Somalia's leading pioneer, Puntland and the United Nations.
"The clan elders and community leaders can handle Galkayo security situation because if you join your hands for peace, surely your efforts will not undercut the hope," President Gaas said in his closing remarks for the symposium.

Participants at symposium on security in Galkayo on April 9,2014 [Photo: Puntland Govt]

The participating civil society organizations and the members of the public questioned Puntland leader on Galkayo security and the role of the government in placing a tight security.

Reliable sources within Puntland Government tell GO that President Gaas is planning to sack senior government officials from the job in the wake of the terrible assassination at Galkayo airport.